It’s really hard to keep track of time in 2020 but I assure you, the NBA Draft is only a week and a half away. The NBA Draft Combine has already begun and we’re starting to see players’ benefit from strong performances after their college basketball careers were cut short due to the pandemic.

Penn State’s Lamar Stevens has been one of those players who has benefitted from showcasing his skills at the combine. There’s little doubt that he will be selected in the 2020 NBA Draft. Stevens has improved on what some NBA teams would consider weaknesses during his time at Penn State.

The most notable improvement for Lamar has been his perimeter presence. Coming from Roman Catholic in Philadelphia, Stevens rarely shot from outside the paint. When I talked with Lamar in April he discussed how this has been a point of focus while preparing himself for the NBA Draft.

“I’ve never really handled the ball, barely ever shot any jump shots and didn’t shoot any 3’s at all throughout my high school career to where my game is now. I feel like I’m only going to keep getting better, I’m hungry to get better.” 

Stevens’ spot-up 3 pointer drill was one of the Top 10 performers alongside Grant Riller and Cassius Winston. Stevens already has the size to be a strong wing for any NBA team. Add in his much-improved perimeter shooting and he can be a fantastic small-ball power forward on an NBA roster.

In Philadelphia, there is definitely a need on the wing and if Stevens gets some time in Delaware, he can be a really enticing pick for the Sixers in the second round.

Lamar is a hot commodity though. He has had interest from Philadelphia, Golden State, LA Clippers, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and the Sacramento Kings. With four selections in the second round, the Sixers will have several opportunities to pick up the Penn State forward.

Shooting wasn’t the only impressive statement made by Stevens at the combine. His max vertical at 41 inches and Lane Agility at 10.35 seconds would have been the best of any forward in the 2019 NBA Draft Combine.

Those numbers are nothing to gloss over. To be the best in not only one, but two categories, is very impressive and will absolutely be something teams take into account while filling out their prospect boards.

Add in his incredible drive to better himself and it’s impressive to see how much Stevens has progressed even since college. With the steps he has made already, there’s no reason to not be hopeful that he can continue to improve his game on the NBA level.

With only 11 days separating us from the 2020 NBA Draft you can definitely expect to hear the name Lamar Stevens from the podium.

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports